N. Ganesh Allias Ganesh Yadav vs V. Samaiah on 2 June, 2025

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Bangalore District Court

N. Ganesh Allias Ganesh Yadav vs V. Samaiah on 2 June, 2025

KABC020010422020




BEFORE THE COURT OF 10th ADDITIONAL SMALL CAUSES
     AND MOTOR ACCIDENT CLAIMS TRIBUNAL,
                AT: BENGALURU

                           (SCCH-16)

        Present: Sri. Mohammed Yunus Athani
                                     B.A.,LL.B.,
                 X Addl. Judge, Court of Small Causes
                 & Member, MACT, Bengaluru.

                        MVC No.203/2020

               Dated this 02nd day of June, 2025

Petitioner:       N. Ganesh @ Ganesh Yadav S/o
                  Narayanappa,
                  Aged about 20 years,
                  Residing at Naganahalli,
                  Gudipalli, Mulabagal,
                  Kolar District - 563 132.

                  (Sri M. Subramanya, Advocate)

                  Vs.

Respondents:      1.     V. Samaiah S/o Vanaraseppa,
                         Shankuchakrachara Nilaya,
                         7th Cross, Khadripura Main Road,
                         Byatarayaswamy Temple, Kolar.

                         (RC owner of Milk Canter bearing
                         Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339)

                         (Ex-parte)
            2                    MVC No.203/2020




2.   A. M. Narayanaswamy S/o
     Munishamy,
     Aramakalahalli Village & Hobli,
     Hosakote Post, Srinivasapura,
     Kolar - 563 101.

     (Policy Holder of Milk Canter
     bearing Reg. No.KL-04-A-5339)

     (Ex-parte)

3.   Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
     Co. Ltd.,
     Golden Heights, 4th Floor,
     No.1/2, 59th 'C' Cross, 4th M Block,
     Rajajinagar, Bengaluru - 560 010.

     (Policy No.OG-19-1731-1831-
     00000255, valid from 07-03-2019
     to 06-03-2020)

     (Sri Muralidhar Negavar,
     Advocate)

4.   Boyapati Sudhakar S/o Kanda
     Swamy,
     No.16-150, Sree Rama
     Govindappa Street, Madanapalle,
     Andhra Pradesh - 517 325.

     (RC owner of Lorry bearing Reg.
     No.AP-16-TH-4939)

     (Ex-parte)
                               3                  MVC No.203/2020




                  5.   The New India Assurance Co. Ltd,
                       Regional Office, No.9/2,
                       Mahalakshmi Chambers, M.G.
                       Road, Bengaluru - 560 001.

                       (Policy No.
                       61270231190100000748,
                       valid from 02-06-2019 to 01-06-
                       2020)

                       (Sri Ravi S. Samprathi, Advocate)


                       JUDGMENT

This is petition filed under Section 166 of Motor

Vehicles Act, seeking compensation of Rs.15,00,000/- from

the respondents, on account of grievous injuries sustained

by the petitioner in a road traffic accident.

2. The brief facts of the case are as follows:

On 23-10-2019 at about 1:00 a.m., the petitioner was

on duty as a Supervisor and was proceeding in a Milk

Canter bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339, the same being

driven by its driver towards Bengaluru side, on Kolar-

Bengaluru NH-75 road, in rash and negligent manner,
4 MVC No.203/2020

endangering to human life, without observing the traffic

rules and regulations. While so proceeding, when they

reached near I.B. cross, Hosakote town, the driver of

another lorry bearing Reg. No.AP-16-TH-4939, which was

moving ahead of the said milk canter in rash and negligent

manner, without observing the traffic rules and regulations,

applied sudden break, on account of which the accident has

occurred. Due to the said impact, the petitioner has

sustained grievous injuries all over his body. Immediately

after the accident, he was shifted to R.L. Jalappa Hospital

and Research Centre, Tamaka, Kolar, wherein he took

treatment as an in-patient. Earlier to the accident, he was

working as Supervisor in Milk Dairy and apart from that he

was doing agricultural operation and milk vending business

and was earning sum of Rs.30,000/- per month. But, due to

the accidental injuries, he has become permanently

disabled and thereby lost his earning capacity. The

Hosakote Police have registered the case against the
5 MVC No.203/2020

drivers of the said Milk Canter bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-

5339 and lorry bearing Reg. No.AP-16-TH-4939, for the

offences punishable under Section 279, 337 and 338 of

I.P.C. The respondent No.1 is the R.C. owner, respondent

No.2 is the policy holder and respondent No.3 is the insurer

of the Milk Canter and respondent No.4 is the owner and

respondent No.5 is the insurer of the lorry bearing Reg.

No.AP-16-TH-4939. Hence, they are jointly and severally

liable to pay compensation to the petitioner. Therefore, it is

prayed to allow the petition and award compensation of

Rs.15,00,000/- with interest.

3. On service of notice to the respondents, the

respondents No.3 and 5 have appeared through their

counsel and filed their separate written statements.

Whereas, the respondents No.1, 2 and 4 did not choose to

appear and remained absent. Hence, the respondents No.1,

2 and 4 are placed as ex-parte.

6 MVC No.203/2020

4. The respondent No.3 in its written statement has

denied all the allegations made in the petition. It has

admitted the issuance of insurance policy bearing No.OG-19-

1731-1831-00000255 in favour of respondent No.2 in respect

of Eicher Canter bearing No.KL-40-A-5339, for the period

from 07-03-2019 to 06-03-2020 and the same was in force as

on the date of accident. It seeks protection under Section

149(2) of Motor Vehicle Act. It has contended that, there is no

negligence on the part of the driver of its insured vehicle, as

he was proceeding carefully, cautiously, by following the

traffic rules and regulations. On the contrary, the accident

has caused due to the rash and negligent driving of the

driver of the third party lorry bearing No.AP-16-TH-4939, as

the driver of the same has suddenly stopped the vehicle

without giving any indications. Further it is contended that,

the driver of the Milk Canter bearing No.KL-40-A-5339 was

not holding valid and effective driving licence to drive the

same as on the date of accident. Further, it has sought
7 MVC No.203/2020

permission to contest even on behalf of respondent No.1, as

per Section 170 of the Motor Vehicles Act. It has denied the

age, income and avocation of the petitioner, injuries

sustained, medical expenses incurred and treatment taken

by him. It has contended that, though there is no negligence

on the part of the driver of the insured vehicle, the petitioner

was unauthorisedly traveling in the insured vehicle contrary

to the Motor Vehicles Rules and Regulations and his risk is

not been covered under the policy. By allowing the petitioner

to travel in the insured vehicle, the respondent No.1 has

violated the terms and conditions of the policy and this

respondent is not liable to indemnify him. It has contended

that, the petition is bad for non compliance of provision

under Sections 134(c) and 158(6) of Motor Vehicles Act. It has

contended that, the compensation claimed is highly

excessive and exorbitant. For the above denials and

contentions, it is prayed to dismiss the petition.
8 MVC No.203/2020

5. Whereas, the respondent No.5 in his written statement

has denied all the allegations made in the petition. It seeks

protection under Section 147 and 149 of Motor Vehicle Act. It

has contended that, the petition is bad for non compliance of

provision under Sections 134(c) and 158(6) of Motor Vehicles

Act. Further it is contended that, the driver of the lorry

bearing No.AP-16-TH-4939 was not holding valid and

effective driving licence to drive the same and the said lorry

was not having valid permit, route permit and fitness

certificate as on the date of accident. It has admitted the

issuance of insurance policy in favour of respondent No.4 in

respect of lorry bearing No.AP-16-TH-4939 and its validity as

on the date of accident. It has denied the occurrence of the

accident and involvement of lorry in the alleged accident. It

has contended that, the lorry in question did not involve in

the accident nor caused accidental injuries to the petitioner,

the petitioner in collusion with the jurisdictional police have

created false records and story about the manner and
9 MVC No.203/2020

involvement of lorry to get compensation and lodged a false

complaint. Further it is contended that, as on the date of

accident, the insured lorry was being driven in a reasonable

speed and careful manner and there was no rashness or

negligence on the part of the driver of the insured lorry. The

accident has occurred due to the negligence on the part of

the driver of Canter bearing No.KL-40-A-5339, who without

having proper look out at the vehicular movements on the

road and without noticing oncoming vehicles, without

maintaining safe distance between the vehicles proceeding

ahead, was driving his vehicle recklessly and carelessly. The

accident has taken place due to the negligence on the part of

the driver of canter and not due to the negligence on the

part of the driver of the insured lorry. It has denied the age,

income and avocation of the petitioner, injuries sustained,

medical expenses incurred and treatment taken by him.

Further, it has sought permission to contest even on behalf

of respondent No.1, as per Section 170 of the Motor Vehicles
10 MVC No.203/2020

Act. It has contended that, the compensation claimed is

highly excessive and exorbitant. For the above denials and

contentions, it is prayed to dismiss the petition.

6. On the basis of rival pleadings of both the sides, the

following issues are framed:

ISSUES

1. Whether the petitioner proves that, he has

sustained grievous injuries due to the road

traffic accident, alleged to have occurred

on 23-10-2019 at about 1.00 a.m., due to

the rash and negligent driving of the

drivers of the Milk Canter bearing Reg.

No.KL-40-A-5339 and Lorry bearing Reg.

No.AP-16-TH-4939 ?

2. Whether the petitioner is entitled for

compensation? If so, what is the quantum

and from whom ?

3. What order or Award ?

11 MVC No.203/2020

7. In order to prove his case, the petitioner has got

examined himself as P.W.1 and got marked 21 documents

as Ex.P.1 to 21. On the other hand, the respondent No.3 has

examined its Assistant Manager as R.W.1 and got marked 3

documents as Ex.R.1 to 3. The respondent No.5 has not

adduced any evidence on its behalf.

8. I have heard the arguments of both the sides and

perused the entire material placed on record.

9. My findings on the above issues are as under:

Issue No.1: Affirmative

Issue No.2: Partly Affirmative

Issue No.3: As per the final order, for the

following:

REASONS

10. Issue No.1: It is specific case of the petitioner that, on

23-10-2019 at about 1:00 a.m., when he was on duty as a

Supervisor and was proceeding in a Milk Canter bearing
12 MVC No.203/2020

Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339, the same being driven by its driver

towards Bengaluru side, on Kolar-Bengaluru NH-75 road, in

rash and negligent manner, without observing the traffic

rules and regulations, near I.B. cross, Hosakote town, the

driver of another lorry bearing Reg. No.AP-16-TH-4939,

which was moving ahead of the said milk canter in rash and

negligent manner, without observing the traffic rules and

regulations, applied sudden break, on account of which the

accident has occurred. Due to the said impact, the

petitioner has sustained grievous injuries all over his body.

Further it is contended that, earlier to the accident he was

working as Supervisor in Milk Dairy, was doing agricultural

operation and milk vending business and was earning sum

of Rs.30,000/- per month. But, due to the accidental injuries,

he has become permanently disabled and thereby lost his

earning capacity.

11. In order to prove his case, the petitioner has got

examined himself as P.W.1 by filing examination-in-chief
13 MVC No.203/2020

affidavit, wherein he has reiterated the entire averments

made in the petition. Further, in support of his oral

evidence, the petitioner has got marked total 21 documents

as Ex.P.1 to 21. Out of the said documents, Ex.P.1 is true

copy of F.I.R. and first information statement, Ex.P.2 is

discharge summary, Ex.P.3 is final bill, Ex.P.4 & 5 are

laboratory reports, Ex.P.6 are medical prescriptions (total

24), Ex.P.7 are blood bank cross checking reports (total 15),

Ex.P.8 are medical bills (total 97), Ex.P.9 is medical history,

Ex.P.10 is discharge summary, Ex.P.11 is x-ray, Ex.P.12 are

C.D. (total 3), Ex.P.13 are medical prescriptions (total 9),

Ex.P.14 are medical bills (total 9), Ex.P.15 to 18 are certified

copy of order-sheet, charge-sheet, plea of A-1 and A-2 in

C.C.No.835/2020, Ex.P.19 is certified copy of Motor Vehicles

Accident Report, Ex.P.20 is certified copy of spot mahazar

and Ex.P.21 is x-ray.

12. On meticulously going through the above police

documents marked as Ex.P.1 and 15 to 20, prima-facia it
14 MVC No.203/2020

reveals that, the accident in question has taken place due to

rash and negligent driving of the drivers of both the

vehicles i.e. Milk Canter bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339 and

Lorry bearing Reg. No.AP-16-TH-4939. Further it reveals

that, due to said impact the petitioner has sustained

grievous injuries on his left leg and back and other parts of

the body. The investigation officer in his final report,

marked as Ex.P.16, has clearly stated that, the said accident

has taken place due to rash and negligent driving of the

drivers of the Milk Canter bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339

and Lorry bearing Reg. No.AP-16-TH-4939 and the

petitioner has sustained grievous injuries in the said

accident.

13. At the outset, it is pertinent to note that, in the

present case, the date, time and place of accident,

involvement of the Milk Canter bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-

5339 and Lorry bearing Reg. No.AP-16-TH-4939 in the said

accident and the issuance of insurance policy by the
15 MVC No.203/2020

respondents No.3 and 5 in respect of Milk Canter bearing

Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339 and Lorry bearing Reg. No.AP-16-TH-

4939 and its validity as on the date of accident, are not in

dispute. Further, the oral and documentary evidence placed

on record by the petitioner has remained undisputed by the

owners of offending vehicles/Respondents No.1 and 4, as

they did not choose to appear and contest the case of the

petitioner. Whereas, the respondent No.3 & 5 insurance

companies have denied the above stated facts and

circumstances of the accident and have taken specific

defence that, there is no negligence on the part of the

driver of their respective insured vehicles and the said

accident has occurred due to rash and negligent driving of

the respective opposite vehicle. Further, the respondent

No.3 has taken specific contention that, at the time of

accident the petitioner was traveling in the Milk Canter

bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339 as an unauthorised

passenger. But, they have failed to establish the said
16 MVC No.203/2020

contentions. The respondent No.5 has neither adduced any

evidence nor it has produced any document to establish the

contentions taken in its written statement. Except, the self

serving statements of respondent No.3/R.W.1, who is the

representative/Assistant Manager of the respondent No.3

insurance company, there is absolutely no other oral or

documentary evidence placed on record by the

respondents No.3 to show that, the said accident has taken

place due to sole negligence on the part of the driver of

offending Milk Canter bearing Reg. No.AP-16-TH-4939 and

there was no negligence on the part of the driver of its

insured lorry bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339. On the other

hand, the oral and documentary evidence placed on record

by the petitioner clearly establishes that, the accident in

question has taken place due to rash and negligent driving

of the drivers of both the offending vehicles and the

petitioner has sustained grievous injuries in the said
17 MVC No.203/2020

accident. The drivers of both the vehicles have equally

contributed in the cause of accident.

14. Further, the Ex.P.20 spot mahazar also clearly speaks

that, the said accident has taken place on Kolar-Bengaluru

NH-75 road, near I.B. Cross, Hosakote Town, due to dashing

of the Milk Canter bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339 to the rare

portion of Lorry bearing Reg. No.AP-16-TH-4939. Further, as

per the Ex.P.19 Motor Vehicle Accident Report, the accident

is not caused due to any mechanical defects in the vehicles

involved in the accident. When the accident was not caused

due to the any mechanical defects in the offending Milk

Canter bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339 and Lorry bearing

Reg. No.AP-16-TH-4939, then in the present facts and

circumstances of the case, it can be presumed that, the said

accident had occurred due to rash and negligent driving of

the drivers of both the offending vehicles. Further, the

investigation officer in his final report, marked as Ex.P.16,

has also clearly stated that, the said accident is caused due
18 MVC No.203/2020

to rash and negligent driving of the drivers of both the

offending vehicles i.e. Milk Canter bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-

5339 and Lorry bearing Reg. No.AP-16-TH-4939. Admittedly,

the said final report/charge-sheet has not been challenged

by the owners or the drivers of said offending vehicles.

Further, it is pertinent to note that, the drivers of both the

offending vehicles have pleaded guilty in the criminal

proceedings in C.C.No.835/2020 and they have been

convicted for the offences punishable under Sec.279 & 338

of I.P.C., by the Hon’ble Prl Civil Judge & J.M.F.C., Hoskote. In

such circumstances, there is no impediment to believe the

final report of the investigation officer and other police

records, regarding the date, time and place of accident,

involvement of the offending vehicles in the accident, rash

and negligent driving of the drivers of both the offending

vehicles and injuries caused to the petitioner in the said

accident.

19 MVC No.203/2020

15. Further, on meticulously going through the Ex.P.2 and

10 discharge summaries, Ex.P.4 & 5 laboratory reports and

Ex.P.11 x-ray, it clearly reveals that, the petitioner has

suffered grievous injuries in the said road traffic accident.

The petitioner has suffered (1) closed displaced fracture of

left proximal 1/3rd femur without DNVD, (2) right

undisplaced superior pubic ramus fracture, (3) left

undisplaced inferior pubic ramus fracture, (4) pubic

diastasis and (5) open type 3B left lateral malleolus fracture.

On the other hand, there is no rebuttal evidence produced

by the respondents to show that, the above medical records

are false documents. There is nothing on record to

disbelieve the evidence placed on record by the petitioner.

Therefore, in such circumstances and in the light of above

observations, it can be safely held that, the respondents

No.3 and 5 have failed to rebut the oral and documentary

evidence placed on record by the petitioner regarding the

rash and negligent driving of the drivers of both the
20 MVC No.203/2020

offending vehicles and injuries sustained by the petitioner

in the said accident.

16. Further, it is well settled principle of law that, in a case

relating to the Motor Accident Claims, the claimants are not

required to prove the case as required to be done in a

criminal trial. The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in the case of

Parameshwari V/s Amir Chand and others, reported in

(2011) SCC 635, has clearly held that, “in a road accident

claim cases the strict principle of proof in a criminal case

are not required.”

17. The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in the case of Bimla Devi

and others V/s Himachal Road Transport Corporation

and others, reported in (2009) 13 SCC 513, has clearly held

that, ” in a case relating to the Motor Accident Claims, the

claimants are merely required to establish their case on

touch stone of preponderance of probability and the
21 MVC No.203/2020

standard of proof on beyond reasonable doubt could not be

applied.”

18. Therefore, in the light of observations made in the

above cited decisions and for the above stated reasons, this

Court is of the considered opinion that, the petitioner has

successfully proved that, he has sustained grievous injuries

in a motor vehicle accident, occurred on 23-10-2019 at

about 1:00 a.m., on Kolar-Bengaluru NH-75 road, near I.B.

Cross, Hosakote Town, due to rash and negligent driving of

the drivers of both the offending vehicles i.e. Milk Canter

bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339 and Lorry bearing Reg.

No.AP-16-TH-4939. Hence, I answer Issue No.1 in

Affirmative.

19. Issue No.2: While answering above issue this Court

has come to conclusion that, the petitioner has successfully

proved that, the accident has occurred due to rash and

negligent driving of the drivers of both the offending
22 MVC No.203/2020

vehicles i.e. Milk Canter bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339 and

Lorry bearing Reg. No.AP-16-TH-4939 and he has sustained

grievous injuries in the said accident. Therefore, this Court

is of the further opinion that, the petitioner is entitled for

compensation under various heads. The damages are to be

assessed under two heads i.e. pecuniary damages, such as

medical treatment, attendants, transport, actual loss of

earning, future loss of earning etc., and non pecuniary

damages, such as mental and physical shock, loss of

amenities, loss of expectation of life, loss of prospects of

marriage etc. The petitioner is entitled for compensation

under the following heads:

i) Towards loss of future income: The petitioner has

deposed that, earlier to the accident he was working as

Supervisor in Milk Dairy, he was doing agricultural

operation and milk vending business and was earning sum

of Rs.30,000/- per month. Due to the accidental injuries, he

has become permanently disabled and thereby lost his
23 MVC No.203/2020

learning capacity. But, the petitioner has neither produced

any document nor examined any doctor to establish that,

due to injuries sustained in the accident in question, he has

suffered any physical disability or deformity. The petitioner

has failed to prove that, due to accidental injuries he has

suffered any physical disability and he is not in a position to

perform his regular work and thereby, he has lost his

learning capacity. In such circumstances, the question of

awarding compensation under head loss of future income

due to permanent physical disability does not arise at all.

Hence, the petitioner is not entitled for any compensation

under the head of loss of future income due to disability.

ii) Medical expenses: The petitioner has deposed

that, he has incurred expenses of Rs.2,50,000/- towards

medical, conveyance, nourishment and other incidental

charge etc. In order to prove the same, he has produced

107 medical bills, as per Ex.P.3, 8 and 14. All the bills have

been examined carefully and found that, out of total
24 MVC No.203/2020

medical bills marked as Ex.P.8, the bills at serial No.2, 5, 8,

19 an 78 are advance receipts. Therefore, the said bills are

not taken into consideration. Accordingly, it is held that, the

petitioner is entitled for compensation of Rs.1,73,893/-

towards medical expenses.

iii) Pain and sufferings: In the present case the

petitioner has sustained grievous injuries i.e. (1) closed

displaced fracture of left proximal 1/3rd femur without

DNVD, (2) right undisplaced superior pubic ramus fracture,

(3) left undisplaced inferior pubic ramus fracture, (4) pubic

diastasis and (5) open type 3B left lateral malleolus fracture.

As per Ex.P.2 and 10 discharge summaries, the petitioner

has taken treatment as in-patient for 46 days from 23-10-

2019 to 29-11-2019 and 02-01-2023 to 09-01-2023, in R.L.

Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre, Kolar. In such

circumstances, certainly the petitioner would have suffered

pain and sufferings. Therefore, taking into considering the

injuries sustained by the petitioner, this Court is of the
25 MVC No.203/2020

opinion that, compensation amount of Rs.60,000/- is to be

awarded to the petitioner towards pain and sufferings.

iv) Attendant charges: As per Ex.P.2 and 10

discharge summaries, the petitioner has taken treatment as

in-patient for 46 days in R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research

Centre, Kolar. He might have spent considerable amount

towards attendant charges during the said period.

Therefore, compensation of Rs.1000 x 46 = Rs.46,000/- is

awarded towards the attendant charges.

v) Food and nourishment: As per Ex.P.2 and 10

discharge summaries, the petitioner has taken treatment as

in-patient for 46 days in R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research

Centre, Kolar. He might have spent considerable amount

towards food and nourishment during the said period.

Therefore, compensation of Rs.800 x 46 = Rs.36,800/- is

awarded towards food and nourishment charges.

vi) Conveyance expenses: The petitioner is the

resident of Naganahalli, Gudipalli, Mulabagal, Kolar District,
26 MVC No.203/2020

the accident has occurred on Kolar-Bengaluru NH-75 road,

near I.B. Cross, Hosakote Town, and he has taken treatment

at R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre, Kolar. Taking

into consideration the distance in between all the above

three places, compensation of Rs.10,000/- is awarded

towards conveyance.

vii) Loss of income during treatment period: The

petitioner has deposed in his evidence that, before the

accident he was working as Supervisor in Milk Dairy, he was

doing agricultural operation and milk vending business and

was earning sum of Rs.30,000/- per month. Further, he has

deposed that, due to grievous injuries suffered in the said

accident he is unable to do his work. The respondents No.3

and 5 have specifically denied the same. In such

circumstances, the burden was on the petitioner to prove

his avocation and income. But, the petitioner has failed to

establish the same through cogent and corroborative

evidence. He has not produced any document to show that,
27 MVC No.203/2020

before accident he was working as Supervisor in Milk Dairy,

he was doing agricultural operation and milk vending

business and was earning sum of Rs.30,000/- per month. In

such circumstances, there is no other option before this

Court except to consider the notional income as per the

guidelines of the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority.

The accident has taken place in the year 2019. Hence, the

notional income of the petitioner is considered as

Rs.14,000/- per month. The petitioner has taken treatment

for 46 days as in-patient at R.L. Jalappa Hospital and

Research Centre, Kolar, for the grievous injuries caused to

him. He might have taken rest for about 5 months and lost

his income for the said period. Therefore, Rs.14,000 x 6 =

Rs.84,000/- is awarded towards loss of income during

treatment period.

viii) Loss of amenities: It is evident from the

documents placed on record that, as on the date of accident

the age of the petitioner was 20 years and unfortunately he
28 MVC No.203/2020

has suffered grievous injuries in the said accident and

undergone treatment for 46 days as in-patient in R.L.

Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre, Kolar. Further, it

might have took at least 6 months for complete curing of

the injuries suffered by him. Therefore, this Court is of the

opinion that, awarding compensation of Rs.30,000/-

towards loss of amenities during the treatment period

would be just and reasonable.

ix) Future medical expenses: The petitioner has

neither adduced any evidence nor produced any document

to show that he requires any further treatment for the

injuries sustained in the accident. In such circumstances,

the question of awarding future medical expenses does not

arise at all. Therefore, no compensation is awarded in this

particular head.

20. Accordingly, the petitioner is entitled for

compensation under different heads as follows :

1. Loss of future income Nil
29 MVC No.203/2020

2. Medical expenses 1,73,893-00

3. Pain and sufferings 60,000-00

4. Attendant charges 46,000-00

5. Food and nourishment 36,800-00

6. Conveyance expenses 10,000-00

7. Loss of income during 84,000-00
treatment period

8. Loss of amenities 30,000-00

9. Future medical expenses Nil
Total Rs. 4,40,693-00

In all, the petitioner is entitled for compensation of

Rs.4,40,693/- with interest at the rate of 6% per annum from

the date of petition till its realization.

21. Liability: Admittedly, as on the date of accident, the

respondents No.1 and 4 are the owners and respondents

No.3 and 5 are the insurers of the offending Milk Canter

bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339 and Lorry bearing Reg.

No.AP-16-TH-4939 respectively. Further, the evidence

placed on record by the petitioner clearly establishes that,

due to rash and negligent driving of the drivers of both the
30 MVC No.203/2020

offending vehicles i.e. Milk Canter bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-

5339 and Lorry bearing Reg. No.AP-16-TH-4939 the said

accident has occurred. In such circumstances, the

respondents No.1 and 4 being the owners of said vehicles

are vicariously liable to compensate for the damages

caused by the said vehicles. The respondents No.3 and 5

being the insurers of said vehicles are liable to indemnify

the respondents No.1 and 4.

22. But, the respondent No.3 has taken specific defence

that, at the time of accident the petitioner was traveling in

the Milk Canter bearing Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339 as a

gratuitous passenger, which is contrary to the Motor

Vehicles Rules and Regulations and thereby, the insured

has violated the terms and conditions of the insurance

policy. Hence, the respondent No.3 insurance company is

not liable to indemnify the insured/respondent No.1. The

petitioner/P.W.1 has unequivocally denied the same in his

cross-examination. The petitioner has unequivocally denied
31 MVC No.203/2020

the suggestion made in his cross-examination that, at the

time of accident he was traveling in the Milk Canter bearing

Reg. No.KL-40-A-5339 as a gratuitous passenger and not as

a Supervisor. Though the respondent No.3 has taken the

above specific defence, it has failed to establish the said

contention. There is absolutely no evidence placed on

record by the respondent No.3 to show that, at the time of

accident the petitioner was traveling in the said vehicle as a

gratuitous passenger. Even, nothing with respect to same

has been brought out in the cross-examination of P.W.1.

Therefore, in such circumstances and for the above stated

reasons, this Court is of the considered opinion that, the

respondents No.1, 3, 4 & 5 are jointly and severally liable to

pay the compensation to the petitioner. However, the

primary liability to pay the compensation to the petitioner is

on the respondents No.3 and 5. Therefore, for the above

stated reasons, holding that the respondent No.3 & 5 are
32 MVC No.203/2020

equally liable to pay compensation of Rs.4,40,693/- to the

petitioner, I answer Issue No.2 in Partly Affirmative.

23. Issue No.3: In view of the above findings, I proceed to

pass the following order:

ORDER

The petition is partly allowed with

costs.

The petitioner is entitled for

compensation of Rs.4,40,693/- (Rupees

four lakh forty thousand six hundred

and ninety three only) with interest at

the rate of 6% p.a., from the date of

petition till realisation.

The respondents are jointly and

severally liable to pay the above

compensation amount to the

petitioner. However, the primary

liability to pay the compensation

amount is fastened on respondents

No.3 and 5 – Insurance Companies and

they are directed to pay the said
33 MVC No.203/2020

amount equally to the petitioner,

within two months from the date of this

order.

The entire compensation amount

with proportionate interest shall be

released in favour of the petitioner

through e-payment on proper

identification and verification.

Advocate’s fee is fixed at Rs.2,000/-.

Draw award accordingly.

(Dictated to the stenographer, directly on computer, typed by him,
corrected and then pronounced in the open court this the 02nd day of June,
2025).

(Mohammed Yunus Athani)
Member, MACT, Bengaluru.

ANNEXURE

Witnesses examined on behalf of petitioner:

P.W.1:        N.   Ganesh         @      Ganesh       Yadav      S/o
              Narayanappa

Documents marked on behalf of petitioner:

Ex.P.1: True copy of F.I.R. and First Information
Statement
Ex.P.2: Discharge Summary
Ex.P.3: Final Bill
Ex.P.4 & 5: Laboratory Reports (total 18)
34 MVC No.203/2020

Ex.P.6: Medical Prescriptions (total 24)
Ex.P.7: Blood Bank Cross Checking Reports (total

15)
Ex.P.8: Medical Bills (total 97) of Rs.1,23,968/-

Ex.P.9:      Medical History
Ex.P.10:     Discharge Summary
Ex.P.11:     X-ray
Ex.P.12:     C.D. (total 3)
Ex.P.13:     Medical Prescriptions (total 9)
Ex.P.14:     Medical Bills (total 9)

Ex.P.15 to Certified copy of Order-sheet, Charge-

18:          sheet, Plea of A-1 and A-2 in C.C.
             No.835/2020
Ex.P.19:     Certified copy of M.V.A. Reports
Ex.P.20:     Certified copy of Spot Mahazar
Ex.P.21:     X-ray

Witnesses examined on behalf of respondents:

R.W.1: Chaitresh D. Habbu S/o Diwakar Habbu

Documents marked on behalf of the respondents:

Ex.R.1:      True copy of Insurance Policy
Ex.R.2:      Copy of Notice issued to Respondent No.2
Ex.R.3:      Postal Receipt


                              (Mohammed Yunus Athani)
                              Member, MACT, Bengaluru.
                                          Digitally signed
                                          by MOHAMMED
                              MOHAMMED    YUNUS A
                              YUNUS A     ATHANI
                              ATHANI      Date:
                                          2025.06.09
                                          11:22:42 +0530
 

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